Tool works in a different realm than bands considered in the same genre. They’re arty, weird, and (yes) even humorous sometimes.

It’s hard to say what gets to me about this album where their previous one didn’t, but something does.

Those who compare this album to Dirty due to it being the band’s most accessible album in a while are stretching. It is accessible, but doesn’t have nearly the strong songwriting of Dirty. Rather Ripped is SY essentially in cruise control. Which is too bad, since Sonic Nurse was excellent.

They should really retire, b/c they can’t top this! Songs are alternately and/or simultaneously haunting and menacing.

The last song, “Mexican Blue,” is my favorite song of 2006. Sorta Beat-esque in its meandering and evocative lyrics, with gorgeous music and heart-wrenching singing.

Excellent. Not as immediately likable as Sumday, but is ultimately more satisfying the more ya listen.

Happiness in Magazines is much better overall, with more dynamics and such. And fans of earlier Graham solo classics like “Jamie Thomas” will find this WAY too light for their taste. All in all, though, it’s a nice album if not real quirky or groundbreaking.

I love it! And it gets better and better as you work your way through it. Not surprisingly, Doyle got better and better at his craft. Even when the mysteries aren’t as tricky and shocking in the later stories, they’re better to read because the writing is better.